Photos of the new Mercedes-Benz A45 AMG surfaced on the internet today providing us with our first camouflage-free look at the German brand’s high-performance hatchback, designed to challenge the 315hp (320PS) BMW M135i and 335hp (340PS) Audi RS3.

An AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT 7-speed sports transmission with dual clutch technology transfers power to Mercedes’ new 4MATIC all-wheel drive system. In addition, the automaker’s engineers have tweaked the chassis of the A45 AMG that features new suspension and steering system settings and components, wider tracks, reworked electronic aids and stronger brakes.

The new A45 AMG hatch will be unveiled at the Geneva Auto Salon next month. For more information please visit CarScoop.